The Origins of Agnosticism

The Origins of Agnosticism PDF Author: Bernard Lightman
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421431416
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 300

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Book Description
Originally published in 1987. The Origins of Agnosticism provides a reinterpretation of agnosticism and its relationship to science. Professor Lightman examines the epistemological basis of agnostics' learned ignorance, studying their core claim that "God is unknowable." To address this question, he reconstructs the theory of knowledge posited by Thomas Henry Huxley and his network of agnostics. In doing so, Lightman argues that agnosticism was constructed on an epistemological foundation laid by Christian thought. In addition to undermining the continuity in the intellectual history of religious thought, Lightman exposes the religious origins of agnosticism.

The Origins of Agnosticism

The Origins of Agnosticism PDF Author: Bernard Lightman
Publisher: JHU Press
ISBN: 1421431416
Category : History
Languages : en
Pages : 300

Get Book

Book Description
Originally published in 1987. The Origins of Agnosticism provides a reinterpretation of agnosticism and its relationship to science. Professor Lightman examines the epistemological basis of agnostics' learned ignorance, studying their core claim that "God is unknowable." To address this question, he reconstructs the theory of knowledge posited by Thomas Henry Huxley and his network of agnostics. In doing so, Lightman argues that agnosticism was constructed on an epistemological foundation laid by Christian thought. In addition to undermining the continuity in the intellectual history of religious thought, Lightman exposes the religious origins of agnosticism.

Agnosticism: A Very Short Introduction

Agnosticism: A Very Short Introduction PDF Author: Robin Le Poidevin
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0199575266
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 153

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Book Description
What is agnosticism? Is it just the 'don't know' position on God, or is there more to it than this? Is it a belief, or merely the absence of belief? Who were the first to call themselves 'agnostics'? These are just some of the questions that Robin Le Poidevin considers in this Very Short Introduction. He sets the philosophical case for agnosticism and explores it as a historical and cultural phenomenon. What emerges is a much more sophisticated, and much more interesting, attitude than a simple failure to either commit to, or reject, religious belief. Le Poidevin challenges some preconceptions and assumptions among both believers and non-atheists, and invites the reader to rethink their own position on the issues. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

An Agnostic Defends God

An Agnostic Defends God PDF Author: Bryan Frances
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030733319
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 159

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Book Description
This book contains a unique perspective: that of a scientifically and philosophically educated agnostic who thinks there is impressive—if maddeningly hidden—evidence for the existence of God. Science and philosophy may have revealed the poverty of the familiar sources of evidence, but they generate their own partial defense of theism. Bryan Frances, a philosopher with a graduate degree in physics, judges the standard evidence for God’s existence to be awful. And yet, like many others with similar scientific and philosophical backgrounds, he argues that the usual reasons for atheism, such as the existence of suffering and success of science, are weak. In this book you will learn why so many people with scientific and philosophical credentials are agnostics (rather than atheists) despite judging all the usual evidence for theism to be fatally flawed.

Quietism, Agnosticism and Mysticism

Quietism, Agnosticism and Mysticism PDF Author: Krishna Mani Pathak
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 9811632235
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 284

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Book Description
This book presents a unique collection of papers on various philosophical aspects of the unknown and unvoiced truth and reality of the cosmic world. It offers a systematic analysis of the three philosophical theories of Quietism, Agnosticism and Mysticism and introduces readers to the fundamentals of mystical knowledge claimed by philosophical schools of the east and the west. It discusses, debates and deliberates on philosophical issues concerning the acquisition of truth, its objectivity and its various dimensions along with the application of thoughts pertaining to Quietism, Agnosticism, and metaphysical-mystic traditions in philosophy. It examines and precisely defines the scope and limits of knowledge, the respective way of life, its expressions and morality, mystical revelation, ineffability of the ultimate, value realism, and faith and reason - with a primary focus on the classical Indian schools of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Agnosticism, the Bāuls, Greek traditions, modern western meta-philosophy, and contemporary quietist debate in religion and theology. This insightful collection should be of great interest to independent researchers, students and teachers of philosophy, theology, Mysticism and Agnosticism, cultural studies and religious studies.

Atheism and Agnosticism

Atheism and Agnosticism PDF Author: Graham Oppy
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108638430
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 109

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Book Description
This Element is an elementary introduction to atheism and agnosticism. It begins with a careful characterisation of atheism and agnosticism, distinguishing them from many other things with which they are often conflated. After a brief discussion of the theoretical framework within which atheism and agnosticism are properly evaluated, it then turns to the sketching of cases for atheism and agnosticism. In both cases, the aim is not conviction, but rather advancement of understanding: the point of the cases is to make it intelligible why some take themselves to have compelling reason to adopt atheism or agnosticism.

Divinity of Doubt

Divinity of Doubt PDF Author: Perseus
Publisher: Vanguard Press
ISBN: 9781593156299
Category : Agnosticism
Languages : en
Pages : 0

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Book Description
From the New York Times bestselling author of Helter Skelter comes a provocative book on agnosticism

How To Be An Agnostic

How To Be An Agnostic PDF Author: Mark Vernon
Publisher: Springer
ISBN: 0230301444
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 277

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Book Description
The authentic spiritual quest is marked not by certainties but by questions and doubt. Mark Vernon who was a priest, and left an atheist explores the wonder of science, the ups and downs of being 'spiritual but not religious', the insights of ancient philosophy, and God the biggest question.

Atheism and Agnosticism

Atheism and Agnosticism PDF Author: Peter A. Huff
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing USA
ISBN:
Category : Religion
Languages : en
Pages : 285

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Book Description
An overview essay and approximately 50 alphabetically arranged reference entries explore the background and significance of atheism and agnosticism in modern society. This is the age of atheism and agnosticism. The number of people living without religious belief and practice is quickly and dramatically rising. Some experts call nonreligion, after Christianity and Islam, the third largest "religion" in the world today. Understanding the origins, history, variations, and impact of atheism and agnosticism is crucial to getting a grasp of the meaning of the present and gaining a glimpse of the future. Exploring some of the most extraordinary people, events, and ideas of all time, this book provides a fair, comprehensive, and engaging survey of all aspects of contemporary atheism and agnosticism. An overview essay discusses the background and social and political contexts of unbelief, while a timeline highlights key events. Some 50 alphabetically arranged reference entries follow, with each providing fundamental, objective information about particular topics along with cross-references and suggestions for further reading. The volume closes with an annotated bibliography of the most important resources on atheism and agnosticism.

Agnostic

Agnostic PDF Author: Lesley Hazleton
Publisher: Penguin
ISBN: 1594634130
Category : Agnosticism
Languages : en
Pages : 225

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Book Description
"A widely admired writer on religion celebrates agnosticism as the most vibrant, engaging--and ultimately the most honest--stance toward the mysteries of existence." -- Amazon.com.

To Be an Agnostic

To Be an Agnostic PDF Author: James Kirk Wall
Publisher: iUniverse
ISBN: 1440166579
Category : Philosophy
Languages : en
Pages : 177

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Book Description
To Be an Agnostic Seeking knowledge, truth and wisdom through the philosophy of agnosticism Chicago Todays America seems to split in two opposing parties: those who feel religion is under attack, and those who feel religion is unjustly pushing itself into secular life. While many books exist that either promote or bash religion, few book explore religion and spirituality from a neutral, agnostic standpoint. Author James Kirk Wall, an agnostic himself, set out to fill this void with his new book, To Be an Agnostic. To Be an Agnostic neither endorses nor opposes religion. Rather, Mr. Wall takes his readers on a journey of intellectual exploration, using both ancient and modern philosophers to explain the greater meaning of life. The book teaches: an agnostic approach to problem solving solid foundations of learning and obtaining knowledge argumentation techniques decision making skills religious tolerance how to face the issue of death and dying promoting opportunity, freedom and justice Ultimately, this book promotes simplicity as the essence of truth, says author James Wall. Morality and ethics are regarded above all else. We must know what is good, promote what is good, and defend what is good. To Be an Agnostic includes insight and words of wisdom from great philosophers such as Plato, Aristotle and Socrates, Eastern philosophers Confucius and Lao Tzu, Americas Founding Fathers, U.S. presidents, military commanders, religious figures, activists, celebrities, heroes and well-known agnostic thinkers such as Thomas Huxley. Without attacking or dismissing religion or faith, the book frames agnosticism as a modern bridge between religion and atheism. Readers, whether religious or not, will enjoy the opportunity to expand their horizons and increase their understanding of alternate viewpoints as it relates to matters of faith or lack thereof.